Demand letter handed over to chief of physical division of Supreme Court by team of NFDN

5^th July, 2017

NFDN team, in the leadership of Ms. Tika Dahal, Vice President visited physical division of Supreme Court today and handed over the demand letter to the chief of the division, Mr. Manoj Shrestha. The key theme of the visit was to request them to follow the approved accessibility standards while (re) constructing its physical infra-structures and services.

Picture Caption: Ms. Tika Dahal handing over demand letter to Section Officer of supreme court

The two major earthquakes in 25^th April and 12^th May, 2015 hit our country pretty hard leaving significant effect on economy of country as well as lives of the people. Besides the private properties and lives, Thousands of public structures had been collapsed due to the devastating situation. However, it has also provided the chance to reconstruct the physical infra-structures and facilities with the approved accessibility standards and principles of universal design so that such structures and facilities can be accessible for all including persons with disability as well. The government is also in the process of reconstruction with the priority to “Build Back Better. The supreme court is also going to reconstruct its destroyed building and construct the other new structures as well. Moreover, it is the main court throughout the nation that regulates the whole judiciary system and all judicial bodies (all courts). In this scenario, it was very essential to intervene with such important authority in order to ensure that all (re) constructed structures will compulsorily follow the approved standards.

Mr. Shrestha seemed to be upbeat about the concept of Accessibility and said that they have provided ramps to some places. Despite of having such facilities, the court did not seem to avail other minimum standards and features. Consequently, people with different types of disabilities could not independently visit to the building premises.

He even further remarked that new building program is forthcoming and assured to include accessibility features. The presence of the constructional engineers of the same division also made the meeting more meaningful and fruitful who remarked that such issues are ethical and should be addressed strictly. Also, Mr. shrestha referred NFDN team to upbring these concerns with the “Access to Justice” team to direct matter to construct accessible places for all. He further assured that his team will be careful on the accessibility issues not only in the supreme court’s projects but also in other courts’ constructional programs as well. For instance, they have made compulsory provision to all other courts to fix the lift in their new buildings, so that all kinds of people can access to each sections of the building.

NO doubt, this single meeting would not sufficient to grab these all opportunities. The team of NFDN, in the close 5^th July, 2017

NFDN team, in the leadership of Ms. Tika Dahal, Vice President visited physical division of Supreme Court today and handed over the demand letter to the chief of the division, Mr. Manoj Shrestha. The key theme of the visit was to request them to follow the approved accessibility standards while (re) constructing its physical infra-structures and services.

The two major earthquakes in 25^th April and 12^th May, 2015 hit our country pretty hard leaving significant effect on economy of country as well as lives of the people. Besides the private properties and lives, Thousands of public structures had been collapsed due to the devastating situation. However, it has also provided the chance to reconstruct the physical infra-structures and facilities with the approved accessibility standards and principles of universal design so that such structures and facilities can be accessible for all including persons with disability as well. The government is also in the process of reconstruction with the priority to “Build Back Better. The supreme court is also going to reconstruct its destroyed building and construct the other new structures as well. Moreover, it is the main court throughout the nation that regulates the whole judiciary system and all judicial bodies (all courts). In this scenario, it was very essential to intervene with such important authority in order to ensure that all (re) constructed structures will compulsorily follow the approved standards.

Mr. Shrestha seemed to be upbeat about the concept of Accessibility and said that they have provided ramps to some places. Despite of having such facilities, the court did not seem to avail other minimum standards and features. Consequently, people with different types of disabilities could not independently visit to the building premises.

He even further remarked that new building program is forthcoming and assured to include accessibility features. The presence of the constructional engineers of the same division also made the meeting more meaningful and fruitful who remarked that such issues are ethical and should be addressed strictly. Also, Mr. shrestha referred NFDN team to upbring these concerns with the “Access to Justice” team to direct matter to construct accessible places for all. He further assured that his team will be careful on the accessibility issues not only in the supreme court’s projects but also in other courts’ constructional programs as well. For instance, they have made compulsory provision to all other courts to fix the lift in their new buildings, so that all kinds of people can access to each sections of the building.

NO doubt, this single meeting would not sufficient to grab these all opportunities. The team of NFDN, in the close coordination with other concerned stakeholders, will continue these kinds of meetings and visits in forth coming days as well. It is highly recommended to urgently consult and closely work with the committee of “Access to Justice”.coordination with other concerned stakeholders, will continue these kinds of meetings and visits in forth coming days as well. It is highly recommended to urgently consult and closely work with the committee of “Access to Justice”.